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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

798 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for a delay in resolving the transport problem in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this matter was first brought to the attention of his Department in early July 2001. [26374/01]

I understand that the pupil in question was only enrolled in the special class in late September 2001 and consequently was not on the original list of pupils notified to my Department in June 2001 and for whom transport arrangements were requested.

My Department is continuing to investigate possible transport arrangements for this pupil. It has been established that there is no suitable service available at present which can adequately cater for his needs. However, the question of a service to a pick-up point, as proposed by the Deputy, is currently being actively investigated by Bus Éireann which operates the school transport service on behalf of my Department.

Under the special school transport scheme, when it is not possible to provide a service, a transport grant is provided for the parents to assist with private transport arrangements. My officials are in contact with the family in question regarding the appropriate level of transport grant in this case. Once Bus Éireann has reported on the possibility of transport to a pick-up point, my Department will be in further contact with the child's parents on this issue.

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